Fire on oil tanker off the Baltic Sea: Rescue operation and extinguishing work underway

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A fire has broken out on the small oil tanker "Annika" off the coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in the Baltic Sea. The crew of the 73-meter-long coastal tanker, consisting of seven people, was safely rescued by the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service. The CCME took charge of the incident and set up a safety zone around the burning ship.

As oil tankers pose a considerable threat to the environment, particular caution is required. At this stage, however, there are no indications that the oil on board - around 640 tons - has entered the Baltic Sea. The tanker has now been secured by a tug and the extinguishing work is being carried out with the help of two other ships. The experts from the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies are responsible for coordinating the operation.

The exact cause of the fire is still unclear, but there are initial suspicions that the fire broke out in the engine room. The thick column of smoke from the ship is clearly visible even from the mainland. Fortunately, no people were injured. The rescue operation began immediately, supported by emergency services both on the water and from the air.

In Rostock, the port is already taking precautions to accommodate the damaged ship. As soon as the fire is under control and a safe transfer can be guaranteed, the "Annika" could be given a berth in the local oil port. When this will happen, however, will be decided by the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies.